The Middle East is a diverse part of the world that is tragically exposed globally as a terrorism production center with massive oil wealth, and veiled women. I would concur that not everything in the above mentioned assumption is wrong. Certainly it does not paint a complete picture. The Middle East is today in a state of clash; externally as much as internally, notions on societal build-up and composition are playing themselves out in most countries in the region. The Arab Spring of last year spiced things up. For the first time, the revolutions and political changes in many Arab states offered disenfranchised people hope for a brighter, more self-determined future. For the Islamists especially, it gave a window into the driving seat of power; a chance to finally attempt to implement their much touted ‘Islam is the way’ political platform. For everyday Arabs, it is a time of great discomfort as ideals and realities clash.

An example of how the ideals and reality clash is playing out, and the effect it has on the composition and mores of Middle Eastern societies is startling. Recently, I attended an event where a part of the series of performances a young veiled female blessed us with her singing to a non-segregated crowd! In the West, such an issue would go un-noticed – as it ought to – however this only enhances this article’s point about a confused society, with an identity crisis looming over.

Another strong aspect of Middle Eastern culture is the close-knit relation between the extended family – with a strong emphasis on the nuclear family. The rise in divorce rates is always a cause of alarm, for it paints a picture of a collapsing regressing society that is literally torn apart. It also throws into question rites and traditions that have traditionally made it hard for couples to ‘know’ one another at an intimate level pre-marriage. The reason being that the Islamic religion and Middle Eastern society heavily weighs in that particular question.

Globalization and the growing number of women entering the workforce has radically transformed a once given paradigm – that of the subjugated wife/mother. The ramification are dual: on the one hand female fiscal independence means that their need for a man will decrease as it gives them leverage on whom to marry if they choose to! The other is the deepening trust crisis that divorce engenders and makes acceptable. Leaving many people to question the need to marry under traditional circumstances whereby the couple would be thrown unprepared to a binding relation without proper personal whetting, and no-living together experience!

The effect of such a situation will undoubtedly lead to a change of society that could be either good or bad. The paths are perhaps confined to two primary possibilities: the liberalization of society, and the failure of the Islamic project. Alternatively, the perceived breakdown of society and its deviation from its past path will lead to greater militancy by primarily an Islamist cast, and may well replace autocratic rule with a theological nightmare!

By Fouad Al-Obaid
fouad@kuwaittimes.net
Twitter: @Fouadalobaid